How to choose optional for UPSC 2023
- The aspirant’s academic background and interests:
Please identify your interest in a subject by researching it through school level NCERTs (preferably Class 11th and 12th), Optional subject syllabus, and your level of comfort reading the subject.
Consider the following scenario:
(a) If you have a Commerce background, look for what you have already studied in college and choose Commerce, Management, or Public Administration accordingly.
(b) If you have an engineering background, review the syllabus and content of optional subjects such as physics, chemistry, and math, as well as engineering options such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. If the science subjects mentioned do not appeal to you, consider other optional subjects such as Geography, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Philosophy, and so on.
- Coaching in the subject is available:
For identifying the best coaching classes available, ask your peers, friends, and civil servants who have already qualified. Your preparation will be greatly accelerated by using study materials from a good coaching and attending classes.
- The Optional Subject’s Contribution to the General Studies Curriculum:
Investigate the contribution of the optional subject to the General Studies and essay papers of the Main exam on your own using past question papers and the syllabus.
- Recent performance on the optional subject (past three years):
When compared to his competitors, a candidate’s individual performance can vary on a wide range of factors. However, there may be Optional Subject(s) that do not yield the desired results despite candidates’ best efforts. A few Optional Subjects that have been subjected to years of testing, either in terms of the questions asked or the grades awarded.
- Time Management:
A candidate should decide how much time he or she will be able to devote to studying an Optional Subject, in addition to their comprehension ability. Some candidates, who may be working while studying or studying at a university, should be able to estimate the amount of time it will take to study the optional subject and General Studies.
